By Ashley Legassic

Don’t be a Grinch when you’re looking for mall parking this season: ICBC

Nov 20, 2018 | 2:40 PM

KAMLOOPS — With full mall parking lots, busy intersections and plenty of drivers on the road, holiday shopping can be a frustrating time for shoppers and drivers alike.

But ICBC road safety and community coordinator, Ingrid Brakop, says a little patience goes a long way when it comes to navigating through mall parking lots.

“I think holiday shopping season and really Black Friday… kicks that off,” Brakop says. “We’re just reminding people that the rules of the road still apply to parking lots. You need to practice a little more patience because there will be more and more people coming in and out of those parking stalls. Give yourself a little more time and just maybe practice some Christmas cheer when you’re in those parking stalls, and be mindful of pedestrians because people do get a little bit excited about a potential parking stall coming up so this is probably why these collisions do occur.”

In a news release, ICBC says roughly 150,000 crashes occurred in parking lots across the province last year, resulting in 5,400 injuries.

Based on data from seven different parking lots, ICBC found:

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• An average of 200 crashes occurred at mall parking lots in 2017.
• Most crashes occur in December.
• Most crashes occur between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Most crashes occur on a Friday or Saturday.

One message Brakop wants drivers to remember is to let the small things go.

“Let it go, just be kind to your neighbours and if somebody does something that you feel is irritating, just let it go and again adhere to the rules of the road,” she says. “Pay attention to what you’re doing and take a little bit of extra time to get into your parking stall or into the mall… Not everybody is going to be able to practice patience — it is a challenge sometimes — but it is the Christmas season so it is the time of good spirits to be spread among your community.”

“Just really practice some patience and some good Christmas cheer out there. So rather than give somebody a furrowed brow or whatever else you want to communicate, maybe just give them like a friendly wave or a smile.”

Brakop says if you are someone who gets easily frustrated, try taking public transit, carpooling with friends, or shopping at less busy times.